should I get a flu shot if I've never had the flu?

[west seattle gal]

Originally Posted by EvilCookie

Just saw this, which confirms what I suspected about the flu shot - possibly the reason there is SO much anecdotal evidence out there of people getting sick much more or more severely than usual the only year they got the shot - and I know a lot of people who it has happened to, which doesn't seem like a coincidence.

Increased risk of non-influenza respiratory virus infections associated with receipt of inactivated influenza vaccine

So it's not that people get the flu from the vaccine; it's that they become more vulnerable to all the other viruses out there - and though it wasn't mentioned, I would assume it could include the strains of the flu that weren't in the vaccine.

Another study that cited your article did NOT show this correlation. The 2012 article you cited only had 115 pediatric subjects, while the 2013 study used 2010 children and 1738 adults. Thus, the first study does not carry much weight in a cursory read of the abstracts. You really need to go through both studies and look at study design to get the most accurate picture, though.

Influenza Vaccination Is Not Associated With Detection of Noninfluenza Respiratory Viruses in Seasonal Studies of Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness

[west seattle gal]

Originally Posted by Heartsong

It's a personal choice. No one can decide except you. Obviously it is a tough decision if you read all the pros and cons. That's the thing I hate about this world - everything and I mean everything is polarized. Sucks.

Politics are polarized, not medicine.

Medicine relies on a risk-benefit analysis in making the most appropriate choice for a person's unique situation. The general public should do the same thing when making personal health decisions. Unfortunately, many people base decisions on anecdotes or incorrect information (ex. Mercola), leading to increased risk or harm in many cases. And sometimes these decisions impact not just yourself, but also your most vulnerable neighbors and family members.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

This thread has run its course and is now closed.